Rafa Benitez is finding it difficult to bring the players he wants to Tyneside as the January transfer market proves more troublesome and frustrating than might have been expected.

It’s worth pointing out that the last time Newcastle United were in the Championship they did not break bank, move early or bring in any jaw-dropping targets in January either.

Back in 2010 the Magpies began the winter window six points clear at the top of the Championship after a fantastic run of eight wins and three draws, where the side only conceded six goals and scored 20.

The squad was in need of a few players who could provide cover but in truth, Chris Hughton had the core of his side which would go on to win promotion back to the Premier League with relative ease.

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United didn’t play a league game in 2010 until January 18 after Plymouth forced them to an FA Cup Replay - which the Magpies won 3-0.

Following on from the last league game of 2009 – a 0-0 draw against Derby – United were held to a goalless draw to promotion rivals West Brom and even with the lead at the top cut to just three points, Hughton did not move in the market.

Of course calls were being made and players looked at but Hughton had not found the right man to come in. Remember this was the season United brought in Fabrice Pancrate, a man signed on a free in November.

On January 20, Danny Simpson signed permanently from Manchester United. Crystal Palace were next up in the league and Wayne Routledge made his debut for United after signing the day before in a £1 million deal with QPR. Mike Williamson also signed on that day.

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United won the game 2-0 thanks to an own goal by Shaun Derry and an injury time strike by Nile Ranger.

Hughton’s men then travelled down to Leicester City and drew 0-0 but with Nottingham Forest losing to Derby County, United had a four point gap at the top of the league with a game in hand.

A day later, on February 1, Leon Best signed from Coventry for an undisclosed fee.

Fitz Hall and Patrick van Aanholt also came in on loan.

Did the signings make a difference?

The signings added an important balance to the squad and Mike Williamson actually proved to be a key arrival. He turned out 15 times as United won the Championship and provided important cover for the injury prone Steven Taylor.

Wayne Routledge and Leon Best had less of an impact but did offer important options to Chris Hughton. Routledge chipped in with three goals and a few important assists but Best failed to hit the ground running and didn’t net one goal.

So what about United today compared to then?

Arguably, it’s a similar position. The players potentially coming in are not going to walk straight into the starting XI - it’ll be all about cover and offering a different option.

The core of the team is there, and what Rafa Benitez is after is an option that makes sure that no one rest on their laurels.